As an annual visitor to Ashland for the Shakespeare Festival, I've stayed in several places over the years, but have settled on Arden Forest as the B&B I return to again & again. The rooms are comfortable (I've stayed in four of the five) and make you feel like you're in a home away from home, not unlike many other B&Bs in Ashland. However, the difference really comes from the sense of community that occurs at every stay. The Inn really attracts folks who are there for the theatre, and not by accident. Corbett & Bill are always knowledgeable about the shows and other activities at the Festival, and have managed to attract other like-minded people to return repeatedly. As people have commented in other reviews, the breakfast conversations are always lively, with insights from the hosts and lots of exchange among the guests. On more than one occasion, the gazebo in the lush garden has been the gathering place for afternoon wine & cheese, a perfect place to relax and discuss the day's activities. We think this is the place for theatre buffs and those that enjoy a relaxing retreat that also offers a congenial atmosphere among the guests.

As a repeat visitor to Ashland and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, I can honestly report that there is no better B&B in town. Yes, I have tried others but return to Arden Forest for its comfort and home-like setting. Thankfully the doilies and floral prints of so many other pastel B&Bs are not to be found here. Instead the focus is on relaxation with its florid garden, private swimming pool and shockingly-organized library. The main house is spotless and every room I've stayed in over the years looked as if I were its first visitor.

As for breakfast, every meal is a slice of heaven. Just cross your fingers and hope that you're staying at Arden when fresh biscuits are served. Whether its sweet or savory, the breakfasts are fabulous.

Of course I cannot write a review of Arden Forest without also thanking its affable hosts. These guys have created a wonderful and comfortable home/B&B that has become a part of my annual, if not biannual, trip to Ashland. Hosting at the breakfast table every morning, they stir conversation around reviews of theater, gossip, politics and whatnot all while catching up with every guest as a friend and not just as a customer. In fact, its these breakfasts and their dialogs that I miss the most when I return home.

In a way, I wish I could keep Arden Forest a secret hideaway so I could more easily reserve a room for a night or a week, but I understand the proverbial cat has been out of the bag for a while now. When I can't stay at Arden Forest, I regretfully try some another B&B around town, none of which I have visited twice.

We've been attending plays in Ashland for 10 years now, & have stayed at several B&Bs in the area while doing so. About three years ago we discovered Arden Forest -- and haven't been to another B&B since. It doesn't get any better than this! The grounds are beautiful, and the hosts provide every amenity. The breakfasts are delicious. Most importantly for the theater-goer, however, the hosts are part of the theater community, and freely provide insight into the plays and actors. We highly recommend Arden Forest.

Have been coming to Arden Forest Inn for nearly 20 years, and enjoy the experience more each year. Our hosts are charming, hospitable, humorous, outrageous (in a nice way) and the breakfasts are totally awesome. The morning chats over breakfast are both informative and fun. Wouldn't think of staying at any other B and B, unless there was "no room at the inn". However, we try always to book a year ahead so this doesn't happen.

Vonne Anne Heninger
Walnut Creek, California